There is evidence that the early Christians read Scriptures out loud during their gatherings. These Scriptures were what is considered the Old Testament and eventually Christian writings some of which would eventually form the New Testament canon (the Gospels and writings of Paul). The new faith was simply following Jewish tradition found in the synagogue. They read out loud because a majority of the Christians were illiterate. They did not rely solely on a pastor to preach the Word. In addition, there is evidence that some had copies of the Scriptures for their own person devotions. P.Oxyrhychus 1228 is a copy of a manuscript from the Gospel of John. Also found was P.Oxyrhynchus 655 another fragment, this time from the Gospel of Thomas (part of the New Testament apocrypha or non-canonical Jesus sayings Gospel). These fragments were on miniature papyrus roll made for personal studies perhaps even taking on a journey.

I say that to say this, the church today relies too much on a pastor to feed them. Most churches do not even have a public reading of the Scriptures. As Christians, every believer should be a disciple and to be a disciple, you must know the Word of God. You should not only read the Bible, you should study the Bible. You can buy a book on inductive Bible study. It is real simple and will enrich your morning devotion.

For their part, pastors should be forming Bible study groups, holding classes on inductive Bible study, and encouraging "self-feeding" away from corporate worship.